Urian crossed his arms over his chest. While he didn’t appreciate the tone, he’d stand down only out of respect for the fact that he understood sibling banter. There was no malice backing those words. Had anyone else said something like that to Xyn, he’d have handed them their throat.
And if Falcyn had hurt her feelings, they’d be having blows. Yet as long as she continued to laugh, he’d behave.
Falcyn grimaced. “So what do you plan to do with all of these beasts, Xyn? I’m not planning to let them move in, you know? Definitely not comfortable with them here.”
Xyn smiled adoringly. “Why not? It’s rather cozy, don’t you think? That pink one really goes well with the decor. And it’d keep you from being lonely.” She batted her eyelashes playfully.
It was all Urian could do not to double over with laughter.
Falcyn let out a sound of supreme disgust. “You know why. And don’t start on me. As the old saying goes, door’s on the wall.”
She snorted like a horse. “Oh, relax, you old mangy beast. They’re not planning to stay, anyway. We’re just messing with you.”
His relief was tangible.
Xyn met Medea’s gaze and shook her head. “How do you put up with him?”
“I think he’s hilarious.”
She popped Falcyn on the stomach. “This one’s a keeper, brother. You better not let her go.”
Urian had just gone over to help one of the dragons who was having problems with his wings when a light dimmed near them.
The dragon tensed.
“Easy. It’s just Shadow returning.” He’d know that power surge anywhere.
Sure enough, Shadow popped in across the room, near Xyn.
Inclining his head to Falcyn, he approached Xyn and Shadow.
“Any luck?”
Shadow nodded. “Yeah. I have a few more willing to shelter dragons.”
Falcyn let out an audible sigh. “Shadow … you’re my man.”
Shadow let out a nervous laugh. “Since when?”
“Since I saved your ass. How are you feeling?”
“Like I had the hell beat out of me.… And you’re welcome.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, Falcyn’s expression said those words chafed him. Yet the gleam in his eyes betrayed his amusement. “How has Varian failed to gut you all these centuries?”
“Not from lack of effort on his part, I assure you. I’m just quicker than he is.”
Falcyn shook his head. “Anyway, I’m glad to see you back on your feet.”
“Glad to be back on my feet. Especially without Varian hovering over me like some great hairy mother. And I heard you made friends with little brother Lombrey.”
“Yeah, you can keep him.”
“Hmmm, so everyone keeps telling me. He’s actually not so bad. Get him liquored up and laid, you can get about five or ten minutes of peace before he’s in your face again.”
Falcyn made a face of distaste. “So that’s your secret.”
“Basically. I find it works on most people.”
